The nurse has reviewed the Provider Prescriptions at 1355, Laboratory Results at 1450, and Diagnostic Results at 1525. Exhibits Complete the following sentence by using the lists of options. The client is most likely experiencing dropdown as evidenced by dropdown and dropdown.

Rationale for correct choices • deep vein thrombosis (DVT): The client displays classic findings of DVT, including unilateral leg swelling, warmth, inflammation, and increased calf circumference. These findings, paired with a sedentary lifestyle and recent trauma to the leg, strongly indicate development of a thrombus in the affected extremity. • Unequal leg circumference: The right calf measures 45.72 cm while the left measures 40.64 cm, showing significant unilateral swelling. A difference greater than 3 cm is strongly associated with DVT due to venous obstruction and impaired return, causing fluid accumulation and increased limb girth. • Ultrasound results: The duplex ultrasound shows loss of venous compressibility and a thrombus in the right leg. These findings are diagnostic for DVT, confirming venous obstruction and establishing the cause of the client’s symptoms and leg swelling. Rationale for incorrect choices • undiagnosed fracture: A fracture would typically produce severe pain, deformity, or inability to bear weight, none of which are strongly present. The ultrasound confirms thrombosis, and the symptoms align more with venous obstruction than bone injury. • cellulitis of a leg bone: Cellulitis usually presents with diffuse skin redness, warmth, and often fever. Although the leg is warm and inflamed, the presence of a venous thrombus on ultrasound and significant calf size difference more accurately support DVT rather than an infectious process. • Difficulty walking: Difficulty walking can occur from many causes, such as arthritis or recent injury, and is not specific enough to confirm DVT. Objective findings like limb circumference and ultrasound imaging better demonstrate the underlying condition.